Reports& surveys

The Production Technology Survey asked a number of questions about kit to guage the most popular new and specialist tech. We also asked about kit that people would like manufacturers to invent to make their job easier.

In terms of new kit, the DJI Osmo camera/gimbal received the most mentions, with many citing it as cost effective and incredibly useful for handheld stabilised shots. “It’s very easy to use and portable,” said one. Atomos’s Shogun Inferno monitor also earned plaudits from our respondents.

Asked about favourite kit, the one piece of technology that easily stands out is the drone. “Drone footage just keeps getting better,” says one. A respondent picks out the DJI Inspire Drone for “capturing scenery beautifully and adding an extra 10% to any production” says one. Others rate the DJI Phantom or Mavic drones. “Amazing footage - on a still day,” notes one. Others cite sliders as their favourite kit: “It provides a dynamic to an otherwise often dull shot” and it “adds production value easily on a budget.”

In terms of specialist kit, the Arri Alexa Mini camera is cited by many. Others like “the amount of features provided by the free version of DaVinci Resolve” or the Sony AR7 as a low light camera. It’s a tongue in cheek suggestion, but iPhone deservedly gets votes too: “It gets you to location, it tells where the sun will appear, it runs your GoPros and Osmo, it’s a digital slate and myriad other things. You can even speak to people with it.”

Looking to the future, many of our respondents agree on what would most help them during production: improved data management. “A piece of kit to back up and label rushes easily, effectively and safely would be a major bonus!” says one. Many say tapeless production adds time on location rather than saves it. One calls for “instantly backed up media – no relying on an AP or runner to do multiple backups last thing at night.”